Black Canyon of the Gunnison 2006-2007 Curecanti Gunnison Gorge

Hardly a “Black” Canyon Welcome to the Shadowy depths and dark metamorphic rocks Gunnison Country gave the Black Canyon its ominous name. Whether you are boating on Blue Mesa Reser- It is a pleasure to welcome you to these voir in Curecanti , spectacular areas. We hope you will peering over the rim at Chasm View in Black enjoy much of the magnificent scenery Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, or hik- and recreation that these resources have to offer. Understanding the unique quali- ing the Chukar Trail in Gunnison Gorge Na- ties of these areas will enhance your tional Conservation Area, you will see a spec- appreciation and enjoyment. trum of colors splashed across the canyon. Let’s travel through time to understand the colorful It is our aim to preserve the character of mosaic of the Black Canyon. the lands that you find in this part of long into the future. There are Boaters enjoy the pleasant breezes and the deep water of Blue Mesa Reservoir. many challenges in balancing all of the Geologists tell us that nearly two billion years needs of the natural world and of the ago, dark hues of gneiss and schist were forming public. There are many uses for the in the earth’s crust. As these dark rocks cracked water flowing down the Gunnison -- beneath the surface, pink pegmatite squeezed agriculture, power, recreation, and natu- ral fisheries. This water is also essential to into the fissures, creating the patterns obvious at preserving the natural systems that have Painted Wall at Black Canyon of the Gunnison existed in the Black Canyon and Gunnison National Park. For 1.5 billion years, sediments Gorge for thousands and in some cases, were deposited above these “basement” rocks. millions of years.

The National Conservation Area offers In the Mesozoic era, color was added to the picnic areas, river access, and off-road Precambrian rocks in the form of sand dunes vehicle, horseback, and hiking trails. The turned to sandstone. Later, an inland sea left inner canyons make up the Gunnison behind mud, which became Mancos Shale, seen Gorge Wilderness, in which visitors enjoy in the “adobes” on the edge of Gunnison Gorge. The expansive canyons of Gunnison Gorge invite hikers to explore this wild place. rafting, Gold Medal trout fishing, and backcountry camping. The river makes its dramatic descent through pink The Rocky Mountains formed about 65 million pegmatite dikes and metamorphic cliffs, carving These places are your places. The natural years ago. This event forced upward the black the Black Canyon. At last, it winds through the si- and cultural resources are part of your and pink Precambrian rocks and red Mesozoic enna mesas and dusky hills of the Gunnison inheritance from the past. Together we layers in the Gunnison Uplift. From 18 to 30 mil - can leave them as a legacy for genera- Gorge, having completed its trip through nearly 50 tions yet to come. lion years ago volcanoes in West Elk and San miles of canyon wilderness. Juan mountains spewed pewter-colored ash William E. Wellman Karen Tucker over the Gunnison Uplift, which trapped the wa- As you travel through the Gunnison Country, Superintendent, Manager, ter and the cutting of the canyon began! watch for the hues that represent the region’s geo- Curecanti and Gunnison Gorge Black Canyon logic history and the ecological overlay of greens, The now cuts through a rainbow browns and blues. Enjoy your journey through of sedimentary rocks as it pools into Curecanti’s shadows, sunlight, and the waters of Black Canyon reservoirs on its way to the Colorado River. and discover all of the colors it has to offer.

We’re on the Web What’s Inside? Playing it Safe Planning Your Visit...... 2-3

Camping Information...... ….2 Visit the parks all year from the comfort of your Learn more about what is going on at these Safety is often not on everyone’s mind while home computer. parks by reading about planning your visit on visiting parks, but it is a very important part Hiking Trails and Activities...... 3 Black Canyon: page 2, boating and hiking on page 3, of any trip. Remember to check with rang- what’s new at Cimarron on page 4, Dino- ers for current information on conditions http://www.nps.gov/blca Railroad Rehab...... 4 saur discoveries in Curecanti on page 5, and and potential safety hazards in all three by using page 7 to help you find your way areas. Be aware of hiking and boating Curecanti: Dinosaurs...... 5 http://www.nps.gov/cure around. The Bureau of Land Management safety and regulations, and also, be cautious and National Park Service are working to around all wildlife, water, and any steep Maps...... …..4-7 Gunnison Gorge: protect and manage these resources for the cliffs. Keep young ones close. Please enjoy a http://www.co.blm.gov/ggnca benefit of the American people. safe visit to these amazing lands.

...... Book Store...... …...8 ...... Planning Your Visit VISITOR CENTERS A and C and North Rim sites are $12.00 Ute trailheads and at the Gunnison There are several visitor centers de- per site per night. Loop B is $18.00 per Forks Day Use Area. Campsites, show- National Park Service Bureau of Land Management signed to help you learn more about the site per night. Loops and B can be re- ers, and other services are available at U.S. Department of the Interior resources throughout the areas. served through the National Recreation the Gunnison River Pleasure Park at Reservation Service (NRRS). For more the Gunnison Forks. Camping in the Black Canyon of the Gunnison The South Rim Visitor Center, located information, please call (877) 444-6777 wilderness area is first come, first served, National Park at Gunnison Point in Black Canyon of or go to www.reserveamerica.com. Sites and is allowed in designated sites only. Curecanti the Gunnison National Park, is open may be reserved up to 240 days in ad- Sites are marked with posts with blue National Recreation Area every day of the year, except Thanksgiv - vance for regular sites and 360 days in (boater) or green (hiker) tops. Wilder- Taken together, Black Canyon and Curecanti offer nearly 75,000 acres of ing, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. advance for group sites. Golden Age ness camping fees (payable at trail- plunging canyons, knife-edged cliffs, Summer hours are 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Pass discounts apply to all camping fees. heads): $10.00 per person for 1 night, wide open vistas, water sports and Winter hours are 8:30 a.m to 4:00 p.m. $15.00 per person for 2 nights (maxi- beauty enough for the eye to behold. Curecanti mum allowable stay). The camping fee There are many recreational opportu- The Elk Creek Visitor Center, at You will find several campgrounds with applies to all users, ages 16 and older nities for you to enjoy and by which Curecanti National Recreation Area, is boat-in, drive-in and hike-in possi - within the Gunnison Gorge NCA. you will be challenged at these two open every day from Memorial Day bilities. Group camping is available at National Park Service units. weekend through Labor Day weekend, Red Creek and East Elk Creek. Electric WHAT ABOUT FIDO? 8:00 am to 6:00 pm. Winter hours are hookups are available in Loop D at the Pets in the Gunnison Gorge NCA must Mailing Address Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Elk Creek Campground. The camping be under their owner’s control at all Black Canyon of the Gunnison NP The Cimarron Visitor Center is open fee at Curecanti is $12.00 per site per times. Pets are permitted in Curecanti, Curecanti NRA Memorial Day through Labor Day, 9:00 night. Loop D is $18.00 per night. Res- but must be leashed at all times. 102 Elk Creek Gunnison, CO 81230 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The Lake Fork Visitor ervations can be made for Lake Fork, Center will be open intermittently. Elk Creek, Stevens Creek sites, and for In Black Canyon pets on a six- foot Phone and E-mail the East Elk Creek and Red Creek group leash may be walked on roads, in camp- (970) 641-2337 CAMPING sites through NRRS. See above for de- grounds, to the overlooks, and are al- [email protected] Black Canyon tails about the reservation process. lowed on the Rim Rock and Chasm There are two campgrounds, one on Golden Age Pass discounts apply to all View Nature Trails. Pets are not allowed Gunnison Gorge each rim. Loop A in the South Rim camping fees. on any other trails, inner canyon routes National Conservation Area Campground is open all year. Sites in or in the wilderness area of the national The Gunnison Gorge NCA provides loop B are equipped with electrical Gunnison Gorge park. Owners are responsible for their 63,000 acres of rugged, beautiful hookups, but is only open in the sum- Vehicle camping is permitted outside pet’s behavior. Please, clean up after landscapes and challenges. High mer. The North Rim Campground will the wilderness area on a first come, first your pet. Do not leave your pet unat- clearance vehicles are recommended. sometimes fill, but the South Rim served basis. Picnic tables and fire grates tended in a vehicle or campsite. Board- There are very few services so be prepared to be self sufficient. Campground almost never does. Loops are available at the Chukar, Duncan, and ing services are available in the area.

Mailing Address Gunnison Gorge NCA Hey Kids - Be a Junior Ranger 2465 South Townsend Avenue Help take care of your national treasures! Anyone between Montrose, CO 81401 the ages of 5 and 12 can become a Junior Park Ranger at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park or Curecanti Phone and E-mail National Recreation Area. There are challenging activities in (970) 240-5300 the Junior Ranger books that you can do while visiting either [email protected] park. Learn more about the stuff that makes these places so amazing and unique. If you are under the age of 5, you can become a Curecanti Ranger Buddy. Stop by the Elk Creek, Cimarron, or South Rim Visitor Centers for more information.

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Boat Tours Into the Black Canyon of the Gunnison Cutting Edge Technology at Join a Park Ranger for a leisurely boat tour on the , traveling seven miles into the Black Canyon famous Black Canyon of the Gunnison where the majestic canyon walls will tower 1,800 feet above you. Hear the stories of the canyon’s geologic history, its wildlife, the rugged early inhabitants, the amazing narrow gauge railroad and the present day dams and reservoirs. Are you visiting the South Rim of Black Canyon of the Logistics Gunnison National Park? If so, there is a new activity The National Park Service operated tour boat is a stable 40-foot, 42-passenger pontoon boat. Tours are available to you. It is an Electronic Tour of the South offered twice daily except Tuesdays, at 10:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Rim overlooks. Day. Tours begin at the Pine Creek Boat Dock, located 35 miles east of Montrose, 25 miles west of Gunnison, at US Highway 50 mile marker 130. From the Pine Creek parking lot, you will walk down 232 Picture this: you’re standing at Devil’s Overlook, and steps, then enjoy an easy ½ mile scenic walk along the old narrow gauge rail bed before reaching the wondering what stories lurk out there in the depths of boat dock. We suggest starting down the steps about one hour before your scheduled tour, allowing more the canyon. With an electronic device that you rented time if you need a slower pace. Plan to meet the Park Ranger at the boat dock at least 15 minutes before at the South Rim Visitor Center, you can have your your scheduled departure. choice of stories: geologic illustration, recreational activities, natural history, and epic human experiences. What to Bring You cue up the hand-held mechanism, look into the Dress for the Colorado mountains, where a sunny day can quickly become stormy. Bring drinking water, screen that brings you full-size images and you receive snacks, sun protection, rain protection, and your camera. For security reasons, carry-on bags and packs a thrilling narration of the scene. are subject to search. Pets, smoking, and alco- holic beverages are not allowed on the tour. The service is brought to you through a partnership with Voice Viewer Technologies, a Wyoming-based Prepaid Reservations are Required company that has supplied a variety of technological Prepaid reservations are required, and are some- services across the country, particularly in the field of times still available early on the day of the tour. medicine. Call 970-641-2337, ext 205, or visit the Elk Creek Visitor Center in the Curecanti National Stop at the South Rim Visitor Center at Black Canyon Recreation Area. Persons arriving at the boat to find out more. The units will be available by early dock without a prepaid reservation will not be June, and they will add much more to your experience. permitted on the tour. Cost is: $15.00 for adults $7.50 for adults who possess a Golden Age or Golden Access Pass $7.50 for infants and children under age 13

2 Visitor Guide Boating Information Activities CURECANTI NATIONAL RECRE- ATION AREA REQUIREMENTS Black Canyon Curecanti Gunnison Gorge These regulations apply to Blue Mesa, • Rafts must carry an extra paddle, first of the Gunnison NRA NCA NP Morrow Point and Crystal Reservoirs: aid kit, repair kit, and an extra PFD. Visitor Center • Personal flotation devices (lifejackets) • Portable toilets and stoves or firepans are required for everyone on board with charcoal are mandatory for over- Ranger Programs any vessel. PFDs can save lives, but night boating parties. only if they are worn! • Private motorized crafts prohibited. Picnic Areas • One Type IV throwable flotation de - • Maximum stay in the wilderness is Boat Rentals vice for boats 16 feet and greater. two nights. Boaters may spend only • Sound-producing device (such as a one night per designated campsite. Boat Tours horn). Backcountry/ • Lights for dusk to dawn operation. BLACK CANYON OF THE Wilderness Permits • An NPS Boat permit is required for GUNNISON NATIONAL PARK motorized vessels on Blue Mesa Res- The Gunnison River through the na- Developed Camping

ervoir. tional park is extremely dangerous due Backcountry • Motorized vessels need to be regis- to difficult rapids and the many gruel- Camping tered in their home state. ing, poison ivy-covered portages. Group Camping • A fire extinguisher (unless boat is of However, well prepared kayakers will open construction and less than 26 find the canyon challenging and ex- Showers feet long). hilarating. Because the river is classified as a Class V to unnavigable, the follow- Fishing (Lake)

GUNNISON GORGE ing are required: Fishing (river/stream) NATIONAL CONSERVATION AREA • All boaters must have a U.S. Coast This lower section of the Gunnison Guard approved whitewater (Type I, Hiking

River is classified as Class III-IV de- II, III, or V) PFD. Rock Climbing pending on water flows. The following • Wood fires are prohibited. Camp regulations apply to river running in stoves are permitted. Horse Trail the Gunnison Gorge: • Pack out everything, including trash, Kayaking (river) • Boaters must pay fees at the Chukar used toilet paper, and cigarette butts. Trailhead and register at the Chukar • Obtain a backcountry permit at the Rafting (river) boat put-in site. South Rim Visitor Center or the East Personal Water Craft See page 5 • All boaters must have a U.S. Coast Portal bulletin board at the put-in. Guard approved whitewater (Type I, • It is wise to take along an experienced Motorboats/Sailing II, III, or V) PFD. kayaker who has been down this Windsurfing stretch of the river before. Hunting

Snowmobiling

Cross-country Skiing

Mountain Biking

4WD/Off-Highway Vehicle Area

Groceries

Restaurant/Snacks Both anglers and boaters alike enjoy the scenic beauty of Blue Mesa Reservoir. Before heading out for the day, check weather conditions and boating and fishing regulations.

Let’s go for a Hike!

Mileage (Round Difficulty Elevation Description Trail Trip) Change Let’s Go for a Hike! Black Canyon Dead Horse 6.5 (10.5km) Easy/Moderate 120ft (36.5m) One of the park’s longer trails offering views of steep cliffs and pinnacles. Rim Rock 2 (3.2km) Moderate N/A Hike along the canyon rim on this self-guided nature trail. Warner Point 1.5 (2.4km) Moderate 100ft (30.5m) Hike through the pinyon/juniper woodland for views of the San Juan Mountains. Chasm View 1/3 (0.54km) Moderate N/A View the narrowest part of Black Canyon from the end of this short nature trail. North Vista 7 (11.3km) Strenuous 840 ft (256m) Wind your way to the summit of Green Mountain for sweeping vistas. Oak Flat 2 (3.2km) Strenuous 400 ft (122m) Hike through the oak shrublands, aspen, and Douglas-fir forests on the south rim.

Curecanti Neversink 1.5 (2.4km) Easy N/A Enjoy a great wildlife watching trail; look for herons and other animals. Mesa Creek 1.5 (2.4km) Easy/Moderate N/A Follow a footbridge over the Gunnison River to view the sheer canyon walls. Crystal Creek 5 (9km) Moderate N/A Hike through oak and aspen for a ridgetop view of Crystal Reservoir. Dillon Pinnacles 4 (6.6km) Moderate 600 ft (182.9m) Wander through the sagebrush and conifers to the stunning Dillon Pinnacles. Pine Creek 2 (3.2km) Moderate 180 ft (54.8m) Hike the old railroad bed along Pine Creek to Morrow Point Reservoir. Curecanti Creek 4 (6.6km) Strenuous 900 ft (274.3m) Follow the banks of Curecanti Creek for great views of the 700 ft. Curecanti Needle. Hermits Rest 6 (10km) Very Strenuous 1800 ft (548.6m) Hike through oak and pine, descending to picnic spots on Morrow Point Reservoir

Gunnison Gorge Chukar 2.2 (3.5km) Moderate 560 ft (170.7m) Great views of the Gorge from rock outcrops along the descent to the river. Ute 9 (14.5km) Moderate 1200 ft (365.7m) Offers great views of the river and Gorge from this long, but rewarding hike. 3 (4.8km) Bobcat Strenuous 800 ft (243.8m) This trail is less developed and steep, but provides river access. 3 (4.8km) Duncan Strenuous 840 ft (256m) This heavily traveled trail is also steep, but easier to follow to the river.

Visitor Guide 3 Black Canyon Backcountry Regulations Of Railroads and RestorationWorkin • Permits (at no charge) are re- When Captain John W. toric rail stock. If you venture preserve the rail pieces while quired for ALL inner canyon use. Gunnison explored the just a mile further into the can- continuing to make them avail - DiggingGunnison Basin in 1853 looking inyon, you’ll the be treated Dirton to the sight able to inspire the future genera- • Reservations are required for Red for a railroad route to the west, of Engine 278, rail stock, and a tions. Check back in the coming Rock Canyon and a $4.00 park he described the Black Canyon caboose atop an historic rail years to watch the preservation entrace fee is charged at the trailhead. Contact (970) 641-2337 Railroadregion as the “roughest, most truss over Cimarron Creek. process as it progresses. ext. 205 hilly, and most cut-up” land he’d ever seen. He proclaimed that These historic rail cars and en- Although the clickity-clack of • Pets are prohibited from the inner there would never be a railroad gine, some of which are on loan the Denver and Rio Grande may canyon wilderness area and on all built there. Just a few decades from the City of Montrose, have no longer echo through the inner canyon routes. later, he was proven wrong. been restored to their historic Black Canyon, with careful • Possession of firearms and hunt- appearance, evoking images of a planning and preservation work, ing are prohibited. By 1882, a narrow gauge railroad bygone era. these pieces of the past will con- wound its way through 15 miles tinue to reflect that rich history • A valid Colorado fishing license is of the Black Canyon, treating During the time when this rolling for years to come. required. Gold Medal Water regu- lations apply. passengers to the wonders of the stock was in use, it Denver and Rio Grande’s “Sce- would have been con- • Collecting wood, flowers, plants, nic Line of the World.” For sev- stantly maintained. animals, antlers, historical arti- eral decades the railroad trans- Today wind, rain, facts, and/or rocks is prohibited. ported the products of snow, freezing tem- • Follow Leave No Trace ethics. Colorado’s mines and ranches peratures, gravity, and as well as passengers, but even- time are continuously • Use pit toilets if available. If not, tually competition from stan- wearing on them. In bury human waste six inches dard gauge railroads and truck- 2005, the National deep and away from the river. Or ing led to its demise. In 1949 it Park Service, in part- use travel toilets available at the Visitor Center. ceased operation, and by 1968, nership with the rail bed was drowned below Montrose and the • Wood fires are prohibited. the waters of Morrow Point University of Colo- Reservoir. rado at Denver, took • Include these items in your pack: the first steps toward • Extra food and clothing The memory of the railroad is creating a plan to re- • Plenty of water or a filter • Camp stove and matches very much alive. Visitors driving store and maintain • Basic First Aid Kit along Highway 50 will glimpse a these precious pieces • Map reconstructed stockyard at of our heritage. The Engine 278 stands over Cimarron Creek waiting for visitors to explore Cimarron, complete with his- goal is to find a way to the rich railroad history it represents.

...... Curecanti National Recreation Area The map below is designed for gen- eral travel only. It should not be used for trips into the backcountry.

4 Visitor Guide NPS Search and Recovery ng Digging in the Dirt Dive Team Imagine a world where herds of it is? It’s the dinosaur with plates Fossils have a lot to teach us migrating dinosaurs trample running along the back and about earth’s history and are Imagine this scene: it’s a hot summer afternoon, the sun is across underground termite tail…Stegosaurus! protected park resources. If you sparkling on the blue water, and nests while crocodiles slide on encounter fossils while on your boats, water-skiers and fishermen their bellies into water. Here at Black Canyon and Curecanti visit to the park, leave them in are visible as far as the eye can see. This is a typical summer day Curecanti National Recreation both house a wealth of fossil re - place and tell a ranger. Park at Blue Mesa Reservoir, which is Area, there’s no need to imag- sources and park staff are staff can examine the found item a popular destination in the state ine. This world exists all around working hard to discover what and use it to teach others about of Colorado for water-related you and can be found in the they can teach us about the past our fascinating planet. activities. rock record. and the future. However, weather and water conditions can change quickly, Park staff and other scientists sometimes without warning. have worked together discover- What would happen in the case of an emergency? If this thought ing fossil remains in the park has ever crossed your mind since 1994. Fossil plants, insect amidst the multitude of boats, burrows, and reptiles (including then you’ll be glad to know that dinosaurs) have been found in the National Park Service (NPS) Search and Recovery Dive Team the rocks. is ready and able to respond to the emergency. Dinosaur fossils, dating back some 150 million years ago, are Curecanti NRA and Black Canyon of the Gunnison NP dive team awesome examples of the members have been trained in unique creatures that used to and assist with underwater live on earth. A variety of dino- search, rescue, and recovery procedures. The NPS divers have saurs have been found at collaborated with the local Curecanti. Giant sauropod di- sheriff’s office, the Mt. Crested nosaurs with long tails and Butte Police Department, and the necks roamed this area. Upright New Mexico State Police on various underwater missions. theropod dinosaurs (similar to Tyrannosaurus rex) hunted and The National Park Service is a scavenged here. proponent of water safety, en- couraging children to wear their life jackets and requiring boaters Paleontologists have even dis- to have all safety equipment covered Colorado’s state fossil Dr. John Foster, paleontologist for the Museum of Western Colorado, and National Park Service paleontologi- onboard their vessels. in the park. Do you know what cal technician Alison Koch record data and collect fossils for Black Canyon and Curecanti’s Museum Collection.

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Personal Water Craft Use at Curecanti

Folks who use personal water craft (PWC), or jetskis on Blue Mesa Reservoir may not know that the waters have been closed to their use since the fall of 2002. This was due to a court ordered settlement agree- ment between the National Park Service and Bluewater Network.

The National Park Service has com- pleted an environmental assessment (EA) to determine if and how PWC use will continue on Blue Mesa Reservoir. An environmental assess- ment is a document that presents the issues and concerns important to a project and presents alternative ways of completing the project. It also explores the possible impacts of each of those alternatives.

The National Park Service is in the process of proposing special regula- tions to manage PWC use on Blue Mesa Reservoir. It is uncertain when the rulemaking process will be complete.

For those who have been waiting, we appreciate your patience.

Visitor Guide 5 Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area The map below is designed for general travel only. It should not be used for trips into the backcountry.

Inviting canyons and the blue-green waters of the Gunnison River draw visitors to hike, raft, and kayak in Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area.

Gunnison Gorge Wilderness Regulations

All areas below the canyon rims from the National Park boundary to approximately two miles north of the Smith Fork confluence are designated as wilderness. Please check maps.

• All wilderness visitors are required to register and pay user fees.

• Camping within the river corridor is al- lowed in designated sites only.

• Maximum group size is 12 people.

• Maximum stay length for all users is two nights. Boaters may only stay one night at any boater campsite.

• Wood fires are prohibited in the wilder- ness and the entire river corridor to the North Fork confluence. Firepans with charcoal or camp stoves are required for overnight visitors. Pack out ashes.

• Washable, reusable toilet systems are required for all overnight boaters and groups on horseback. A dump station is provided at the Gunnison Forks.

• All trash must be packed out, including cigarette butts. Strain all dishwater be- fore returning it to the river.

• Motorized river craft are prohibited in the wilderness area.

• Mountain bikes and motorized vehicles are prohibited below the canyon rim.

• Commercial operators must be permit- ted by the BLM and carry a copy of the permit while in the Gunnison Gorge.

Gold Medal Fishing Regulations

These regulations apply from 200 yards downstream of Crystal Dam to the North Fork Confluence.

• Fish with artificial lures and flies only.

• Return all brown trout 12-16 inches in length to the water immediately.

• Brown trout bag and possession limit is four fish or less, 12 inches or less, OR three fish less than 12 inches and one fish 16 inches or longer.

• All rainbow trout caught must be re- turned to the water immediately.

6 Visitor Guide Black Canyon, Curecanti, and Gunnison Gorge Area Map The map below is designed for general travel only. It should not be used for trips into the backcountry.

...... Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

The map below is designed for general travel only. It should not be used for trips into the backcountry.

Visitor Guide 7 Books, Maps, and Guides

WESTERN NATIONAL PARKS ASSOCIATION WNPA has roots that stretch back to 1938 publish numerous trail guides, books and is a non-profit membership organization when a need was recognized for continu- other materials that would otherwise be authorized by Congress to aid and pro- ing the public’s interest and education in unavailable to the public. Members re- mote educational and scientific activities their national parks. Since then, they have ceive a 15% discount on all materials. within more than 70 park sites in the helped millions to understand more of American southwest. their natural and cultural history. They

Order Form

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Back ...... Fun Summer Program For Kids! Do you know students from high rubber boots and learned throughout the summer. If you local communities who are what aquatic critters can tell us have any questions about the The Visitor looking for an exciting way to about stream quality. program, or would like to regis- Guide spend their summer? We’ve got ter your child, please contact Funding for the 2006 Visitor Guide just the program! The Annual Participants at both parks Education Specialist Susanna is provided by a Advanced Junior Ranger Camp learned about local plants and Ausema at (970) 641-2337 ext. grant from the invites local youngsters to ex- animals, water, geology, and how 203, or via email: Western National Parks Association. plore their national parks to respect the outdoors by fol - [email protected] through games, hikes, science, lowing the ethics of Leave No Editors: Maureen Finnerty skits, and demonstrations. Trace. The summer closed with a Paul Zaenger family camping trip, and the pre- Contributors: The eight week program was a sentation of their Advanced Jun- Susanna Ausema success last summer. Students ior Ranger badges. Alison Koch Heather Boothe created a model of the Black Karen Wolf Canyon and cut away the layers This summer program is open to Megan Chaisson while learning about geology third and fourth graders, and and erosion. They watched a takes place at Black Canyon of Photography: volcano bubble over and the Gunnison NP and Curecanti Lisa Lynch Susanna Ausema learned how volcanic rocks are NRA. We ask that the partici- Vida Turek Phil Zichterman formed. Curecanti Advanced pants commit to attending the Local youngsters learn about Black Canyon and Curecanti Junior Rangers donned knee- program on a weekly basis during the annual Advanced Junior Ranger Program.

8 Visitor Guide